QUID PRO QUO Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

quid pro quo

[kwid proh kwoh]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural

quid pro quos, quids pro quo

something that is given or taken in return for something else.

quid pro quo

/ ˈkwɪd prəʊ ˈkwəʊ /

noun

a reciprocal exchange
something given in compensation, esp an advantage or object given in exchange for another

quid pro quo

A fair exchange; the phrase is most frequently used in diplomacy: “The Chinese may make some concessions on trade, but they will no doubt demand a quid pro quo, so we must be prepared to make concessions too.” From Latin, meaning “something for something.”

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of quid pro quo¹

First recorded in 1555–65; Latin quid prō quō, literally, “what for what, something for something”; pro ¹ , quiddity , status quo

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of quid pro quo¹

C16: from Latin: something for something

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

An equal exchange or substitution, as in I think it should be quid pro quo—you mow the lawn and I'll take you to the movies. This Latin expression, meaning “something for something,” has been used in English since the late 1500s.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It was, in the end I'm told, quid pro quo.

From

It was seen by some diplomats as the quid pro quo for the diplomatic fawning and investment deals Trump received in Riyadh.

From

Even assuming that those favors were “offered” rather than demanded or forced, it is an image of coercion disguised as quid pro quo.

From

Essentially US consumers en masse got richer with cheaper goods, but the quid pro quo was a profound loss of manufacturing to East Asia.

From

Badenoch said she had accepted a family trip to Silverstone herself as "quid pro quo" for giving up her personal time at the weekend in order to have a business meeting.

From

Discover More

When To Use

What does quid pro quo mean?

Tit for tat. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Or, if you want to get a little fancier, quid pro quo.This is a Latin-derived expression referring to something done for someone in exchange for something of equal value in return.

quidnunc quiescence

Browse